Off Road Triathlon

General
1

Not sure if I’m just at a crossroads with future events, or it’s the time of the year as we look ahead.

However a friend recently did an off road duathlon, loved it. It’s got me thinking, that perhaps it’s time to pick up something brand new (mtb, see got the lingo already) and sell the road bike.

Does anyone have any experience with cross-triathlon? Thoughts?

2 Likes
2

Xterra has been big for years. It’s where Flora Duffy started. Some great events around Europe.

Can only assume it’s not really caught on here because of logistics. Needing swimmable water near good enough MTB trails. So no surprise the focus will be on duathlon.

4 Likes
3

I always fancied one but didn’t think my bike handling would be up to it, although I don’t think they’re very technical. I’m sure there used to be a few a bit further north like Hamsterley, Kielder and the borders.

@leahnp might be your man, can’t help thinking he’s done one.

Being duathlons they’re usually out of season as well.

3 Likes
4

Outlaw Holkham do a gravel sprint

Edit:

Also these other duathlons by having a quick search:

1 Like
5

I’ve done a few XTri in the past including Xterra when we had that in Surrey. In many ways they’re a damn sight more fun and chilled than a road tri and the opportunity to get muddy while enjoying a race is a bonus.

The Xterra World Champs have just been on in Trentino, Italy and I know a couple of people racing there including a Danish multiple AG world Champ (Carol Rasmussen) who suffered a blow out and a DNF sadly while leading by a huge margin.

There aren’t many off road tri and du events in the UK but they are about. There’s also quite a good XTri FB group managed by Marc Preece who’s the BTF AG Manager for Xtri

2 Likes
6

Thanks @jeffb I have raced a few and enjoy a dirty weekend. There are a number of gravel and MTB Off Road duathlons. The gravel are less technical and do not count towards AG qualification. If you are a MYBer then go for it, I have the fitness but not the finesse so have to work hard at these. The AG Euro races are like xterra and the courses are technical.

Happy to discuss

3 Likes